Israel Engagement/Program Coordinator

JOB PURPOSE: The Israel Engagement/Program Coordinator will contribute to the vision, mission, and values of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation by working with the JCRC in the development and implementation of programming and initiatives focusing on Israel education and advocacy and on combating antisemitism. This entry level position is the ideal role for a strategic thinker who has knowledge of and is passionate about Israel, combating antisemitism, and championing the Jewish community. The coordinator will work closely with existing staff to serve all Federation agencies, engage with professional and volunteer leaders in the Jewish community, connect and collaborate with diverse communities, and engage with government officials and broad-based community leaders to promote key Federation priorities. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Develop and implement engaging and innovative Israel education and advocacy programs and strategies.
• Organize community education and advocacy programs on current Israel and Jewish events.
• Work with lay leaders, committees/task forces as needed to manage successful programs and partnerships.
• Add Israel components to existing programming while setting ambiance in agency hallways, bulletin boards, etc.
• Increase awareness of current issues related to Israel among target audiences.
• Provide appropriate written or verbal responses as needed on key issue related to Israel.
• Staff and promote commemorative events (Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Hashoah).
• Staff and promote other annual community relations programs that contain Israel components such as participation with the Canfield Fair.
• Partner with other pro-Israel organizations to grow support for Israel within the broader community and respond to efforts to delegitimize Israel.
• Promote strong support for Israel and the Jewish people at home and throughout the world through government relations and other general community relations activities.
• Represent the Federation at local non-Jewish community events and/or serve as a speaker about Israel to local Jewish and non-Jewish organizations.
• Assist with developing and staffing programming in conjunction with the Federation’s Partnership2Gether region in the Western Galilee of Israel.
• Develop and staff programs and initiatives designed to combat antisemitism.
• Support the staff on intergroup relations issues that come before the JCRC or that overlap with issues involving antisemitism or Israel related advocacy, community convening, and crisis management.
• Work with local Jewish teens on Israel and antisemitism related educational programs and initiatives.
• Work with JCC departmental managers to incorporate Israeli culture into the Jewish Film Festival, Book Club, informal and formal educational programs on Israeli culture, including music, dance, cooking, and art.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelors’ degree and/or 2+ years’ experience recommended in related fields. Basic knowledge of current events and history of Israel and the Middle East. Knowledge and understanding of Jewish practices, customs, history, and community. Basic knowledge of the Jewish diaspora and current rise of antisemitism. Basic knowledge of government affairs and advocacy. Strong organizational skills, effective multi-tasker, and ability to meet deadlines. Ability to think analytically, communicate ideas, and develop solutions. Ability to work both independently and closely with others in a team environment. Hebrew fluency and an Israel experience (other than or in addition to Birthright) a plus. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software programs as necessary.